CSIS failed to fully consider human toll when disrupting threats, watchdog saysOTTAWA — A new report from the federal spy watchdog says the Canadian Security Intelligence Service failed to adequately consider the potentially serious adverse effects on people and their families when using its powers to disrupt potential threats. For instance, the disruption powers could permit CSIS to thwart travel plans, cancel bank transactions or covertly interfere with radical websites. Under the law, CSIS needs "reasonable grounds to believe" there is a security threat before taking measures to disrupt it. The review agency focused on the extent to which CSIS appropriately identified, documented and considered negative effects that the spy service's measures could have on people. The review agency found that CSIS's documentation of the information disclosed to such outside parties as part of threat reduction measures "was inconsistent and, at times, lacked clarity and specificity."
